Even though it is a dietary supplement (not a "drug"), glutathione can potentially interact with a few substances. Some of the substances that may lead to glutathione interactions include:
>Acetaminophen (Tylenol and many other non-prescription and prescription medications) The body uses glutathione to detoxify a toxic metabolite of acetaminophen. Glutathione is "used up" in the chemical reaction, and it is possible that taking acetaminophen (especially in large doses) could counteract the benefits of glutathione.
>Alcohol
A chronic use of alcohol depletes the body's glutathione and could potentially counteract the benefits of glutathione.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Glutathione Drug Interactions
Acetaminophen and alcohol can negatively interact with glutathione. Drug interactions with glutathione may counteract the benefits of glutathione, decreasing its ability to detoxify certain chemicals in the body. To avoid this complication, you should talk to your healthcare provider about the possible interactions that may apply to you.
Glutathione and Pregnancy
Glutathione may not be safe for pregnant women. Even though glutathione is produced naturally in the human body, it does not automatically mean that it is safe for use during pregnancy. Because there is very little information available regarding glutathione and pregnancy, it is probably a good idea to avoid glutathione supplements if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.
An Overview of Glutathione and Pregnancy
Glutathione is an antioxidant molecule that is naturally produced by the human body. It is also available as a dietary supplement. At this time, it is not known if glutathione supplements are safe for use during pregnancy.
Is Glutathione Safe During Pregnancy?
There is no evidence to suggest that glutathione is safe (or unsafe) for pregnant women. Even though glutathione is a substance that is naturally produced by the human body, it does not automatically mean that it is safe for use during pregnancy. Many naturally occurring human substances are dangerous for use during pregnancy. Until more information is available, it may be a good idea to avoid glutathione supplements if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, unless your healthcare provider recommends that you take glutathione for a specific medical reason.
General Glutathione Dosage Information
Some considerations for people taking glutathione include:
>Because the manufacturing of dietary supplements (such glutathione) is not closely regulated, it is important to choose a trustworthy manufacturer for glutathione supplements. It is a good idea to look for the "USP" symbol, as this means that the supplement has been tested and contains the right ingredients in the right amounts. For glutathione that is inhaled or injected, it is important to choose a competent and qualified pharmacy to make such products (as they are not available commercially).
>Glutathione is popular among practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine. As should be done with all healthcare providers, it is important to choose a complementary or alternative medicine practitioner who is qualified and reputable.
>If you have any chronic health problems or take any prescription medications, it is probably a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before taking glutathione.
>If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or glutathione dosing in general, please talk with your healthcare provider.
>Because the manufacturing of dietary supplements (such glutathione) is not closely regulated, it is important to choose a trustworthy manufacturer for glutathione supplements. It is a good idea to look for the "USP" symbol, as this means that the supplement has been tested and contains the right ingredients in the right amounts. For glutathione that is inhaled or injected, it is important to choose a competent and qualified pharmacy to make such products (as they are not available commercially).
>Glutathione is popular among practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine. As should be done with all healthcare providers, it is important to choose a complementary or alternative medicine practitioner who is qualified and reputable.
>If you have any chronic health problems or take any prescription medications, it is probably a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before taking glutathione.
>If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or glutathione dosing in general, please talk with your healthcare provider.
Reasonable Dosing for Glutathione
When taken by mouth, most glutathione dosages range from 50 mg to 600 mg. However, it should be noted that research suggests that glutathione is not significantly absorbed into the body when taken by mouth (so it is likely that no dose of glutathione taken by mouth is effective). When inhaled, a dose of 600 mg twice daily has been recommended. When given as an intramuscular injection, a dose of 600 mg every day or every other day has been suggested by some clinical studies. A few studies that have used glutathione intravenously (IV) have used doses based on body surface area (a measure calculated using your height and weight).
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